originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:39 PM

What is one thing you have learnt from this session?

I've learnt that there's still a lot to learn

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:40 PM

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@Myvo wrote:

What is one thing you have learnt from this session?

I've learnt that there's still a lot to learn

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YES!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:46 PM

Thanks everyone! Tonight was a great/important/interesting chat!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:40 PM

couldn't agree more @Myvo 

 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:37 PM

One thing which really opened my eyes was the lack of support we give to those with mental illnesses... like the lack of pensions and services provided to aid them in day to day activities. Definitely aim to bring more awareness to this topic!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:42 PM

So true, sunflowers5! Hello by the way 🙂

 

We need much more support in the community! What has been the experience in your line of work, @sunflowers5 

Wouldn't it be good if politicians actualy took notice of where their funding should go.

 

I am amazed by how many organisations i have come across in the community though, that not only help those with disabilities, but also mental illness, and also the aged and infirm in our communities...

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:48 PM

Hey @Platypus23

My line of work? Not really anything! I think my experience has just been pushing myself to meet new people and thats where I basically learnt the lack or empathy and understanding we have towards things we do not know. (my perspectives have changed heaps) 

haha it sure would be nice! Unfortunately we still have have to hope that happens one day!

oh wow, thats so touching to hear. Definitely a good change!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:46 PM

Thank you everyone for joining us tonight and you have all been so vital to this discussion. Here is the summary for those that missed the convo. 🙂 Have a blessed week everyone 

 

1. We've all got differing abilities, but how would you define disability? What are the different types?

Disability is a broad term but can be viewed as impairment, it is not a sickness it is just a different way of interacting with the world. Some types are blindness, speech, hearing, physical and learning but a disadvantage in one area can make other areas stronger.

2. Do you or someone you know have a disability?

We each knew someone with a disability and discussed how support and optimism are very important to facing changes and societal views. There is stigma and discrimination associated with the term “disability” which is one of the challenges faced in society because it is such a broad term; it groups individuals together as the “same”.  

3. What are some of the myths and misconceptions about people with disabilities?

There are many but a few that people with disabilities are not interested or cannot have sex, that disabilities are obvious, that they are helpless, that they are not happy, that mental illnesses are not disabilities. There are many more and this site debunks the common myths.

4. How can we combat these stereotypes in our everyday lives?

We can do this on a big scale or a small scale, we could start by not feeding into stereotypes, not using negative words or phrases in relation to disability, stop using the word “retarded” to describe something negative or in general conversation and gain knowledge by researching, speaking to someone who has a disability or volunteering.

5. Can you think of some challenges that people with disabilities overcome?

Some of the challenges might be impaired mobility, being treated differently or less than, the stigma and discrimination, finding employment, studying, travel, sports, being dismissed and the lack of empathy because we are not in that situation.

6. What are 3 important things you can think of that we as a society need to do to make our communities more inclusive?

We can start by being more understanding, accepting and speaking up and not being bystanders, we can also raise awareness about different disabilities and educate students, teachers, organisations to encourage participation and acceptance.

7. Who are some role models you can think of when it comes to people with disabilities?

Some of our role models are Stephen Hawking, Stella Young, Adam Hills, Tom Cruise, Stevie Wonder, and Will Smith. There are many individuals out there who are inspirations and show that having disabilities should not limit oneself.

8. What is one thing you have learnt from this session?

Some of the things we learnt tonight that some mental illnesses can be disabilities and the very minimal support given to them and the lack of pension and services available. There is still so much to learn and we just need to seek knowledge and awareness.

 

Here are some links you guys can read to further gain knowledge and understanding

http://stillmyrevolution.org/

http://au.reachout.com/i-met-a-girl

http://au.reachout.com/living-with-a-physical-disability

http://au.reachout.com/wellbeing/personal-identity/disability

http://www.togetherwerock.com/sites/default/files/Draper_MythsMisc_Nov1.pdf

 

 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:52 PM

Thank you for the great chat tonight, guys! 

 

Have a good night! 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:54 PM

Well, I walked in on the conversation a tad late! 😉

Serves me right for taking a stroll around the block after dinner.

 

Thanks for letting me know, @sunflowers5 

 

And thanks too @Myvo 

 

Cheers for now

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:57 PM

Thanks for an awesome conversation tonight everyone 🙂 Cheers!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:59 PM

sorry  i couldnt join in tonight - i was working and just saw this, hope you had a good chat 🙂

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:47 PM

Goodnight!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:45 PM

definitely @Platypus23 

 

more support in the community would really go a long way!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:44 PM

Hi platypus23! I agree too - we need to make our communities more inclusive and supportive!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:40 PM

I liked the flip of thinking about the ‘problem’ as society’s barriers, rather than a person’s condition...

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:23 PM

Hey everyone! 🙂

 

Do you or someone you know have a disability?

One of my best friends became vision impaired after an accident. She still manages to work and volunteer everyday which I find very inspiring 🙂 

 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:27 PM

Aww man @Student94 that would be so difficult like that would change life drastically, but wow that is very inspiring that they still give back.

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:25 PM

@Student94 welcome to our chat!

 

Sorry to hear about your best friend. It's grea tot hear that she still manages to work and volunteer. I can't say enough about how great volunteering is too. 

 

 

 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:23 PM

2. Do you or someone you know have a disability?

Yup, I do know a few people that have a particular disability but they don't like to refer them as a disability as usually the word brings on stigma and discrimination from others 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:25 PM

Hey @Myvo 🙂 I can understand that, so do they prefer nothing at all or do they use another term?